Second baseman Mark Ellis is set to sign a deal that will keep him in Oakland for at least two seasons, and that makes the left side of the A's infield happy.

"Mark is really pivotal for a young team to have as an example," Oakland third baseman Eric Chavez said. "Everyone knows how good a player Mark is, but no one knows his value like we do in this organization. It's a no-brainer."

Shortstop Bobby Crosby has played next to Ellis his entire career, except when one or the other was out with injuries.

"I think it's fantastic," Crosby said. "You couldn't ask for a better guy to play with. That pumps me up. He's the guy all the young guys look up to. He does things right."

Details of the contract were still being finalized Sunday, but Ellis, 31, is expected to make roughly $5 million in 2009, between $5 million and $6 million in 2010 and the team holds an option for about $6 million in 2011, according to a source with knowledge of the talks. With the option and incentives, the deal could pay Ellis close to $20 million. Factoring in a buyout for the option year, Ellis is guaranteed about $11 million.

Ellis told The Chronicle on Saturday that he expects the deal to be finalized shortly. A's general manager Billy Beane declined to comment Sunday except to say, "We're getting closer to an agreement with Mark."

Ellis had arthroscopic shoulder surgery last month and he should be ready to go in spring training. Had it not been for the injury, it's believed Ellis might have received three guaranteed years and $18 million-$21 million guaranteed on the open market.

By re-signing Ellis, who could have declared free agency after the World Series, the A's are buying some years for 2008 top draft pick Jemile Weeks to develop.

Another minor-league second baseman, Adrian Cardenas (acquired in the Joe Blanton deal with the Phillies), is playing shortstop in the Arizona Fall League, and there is thought that with one experienced middle infielder in the fold, the A's might look to move the other. Crosby will be a free agent after next season, and there were some teams scouting him toward the end of this season.

Asked about his status, Crosby said, "I have no idea. We'll have to wait and see."

Chavez also is something a question mark because of his injuries the past few seasons, but he said Sunday that rehab from his most recent shoulder surgery is going well.

"It was a little slow at first, but the past two weeks, I've made huge progress," he said. "By the end of December, I'll be feeling about 100 percent."

Like Ellis the previous day, Chavez said he'd be all in favor of the A's signing Jason Giambi, who is expected to be a free agent after the World Series. Beane has said he plans to add a bat this offseason, and though the team doesn't comment on free agents as a matter of policy, it's likely that the A's at least would hold some conversations with their former first baseman.

"I think it's a great fit," Chavez said. "I don't know if it will happen or not, and I don't know what the shape of the team will be, but Jason has had productive seasons in New York and there's no doubt he could still be a good hitter. And he'd be a big hit in the clubhouse.

"Every time I watch him, it seems like he comes up with a big hit or a home run."